CVE-2017-2832 in C1 Indoor HD Camera
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable command injection vulnerability exists in the web management interface used by the Foscam C1 Indoor HD Camera running application firmware 2.52.2.37. A specially crafted HTTP request can allow for a user to inject arbitrary shell characters during a password change resulting in command injection. An attacker can simply send an HTTP request to the device to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2832 represents a critical command injection flaw within the web management interface of Foscam C1 Indoor HD Camera devices operating on firmware version 2.52.2.37. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the password change functionality of the device's web interface, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands on the affected device. The vulnerability specifically manifests during password modification operations when the system fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into shell commands, thereby enabling attackers to inject malicious shell code through crafted HTTP requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward yet dangerous mechanism where an attacker crafts a specially formatted HTTP request containing malicious shell commands within the password change parameters. When the device processes this request, it directly incorporates the unvalidated input into system commands without proper sanitization, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This command injection vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication for exploitation, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the device's web interface, and the attack can be executed through simple HTTP requests without requiring complex payloads or advanced exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected camera device. Successful exploitation can result in persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration from the device's storage, modification of device configuration settings, and potential use as a pivot point for attacking other devices within the local network. The vulnerability affects not only the camera's own security but also poses risks to the broader network infrastructure, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for lateral movement. Additionally, the device's role as a surveillance tool means that exploitation could lead to complete privacy violations and unauthorized monitoring capabilities. The impact is particularly severe given that many users may not regularly update their camera firmware, leaving devices vulnerable for extended periods. Organizations and individuals relying on these devices for security purposes face significant risks as the vulnerability allows attackers to effectively neutralize the security measures these devices were designed to provide. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where cameras are deployed without proper network segmentation or additional security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2832 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Foscam to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the camera's web interface, limiting exposure to only authorized users and systems. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and establish regular security audits to ensure devices remain updated and properly configured. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the critical need for regular security assessments of network-connected devices, particularly those used for security purposes where compromise can have severe consequences.